Aquia Data Center Information
Research Computing & Co-Location Guide
Information Technology Unit
Technology Systems Division
Co-location
The Information Technology Unit (ITU) is pleased to announce a Data Center
Co-location service for the Mason research community. This service is designed to bring
research computing systems into an operating environment dedicated to system
availability and uptime.
The data center provides air conditioning, redundant power, redundant cooling,
uninterruptable power supply (UPS) and a robust, high capacity data network in an
access-controlled facility with round-the-clock monitoring. The service allows
researchers to house computer systems in the datacenter while still maintaining the
capability to manage the systems. Facilities maintenance, environmental control and
monitoring are all provided by Facilities and the ITU.
Research systems using this service attach to the data center Ethernet network on
individual links operating at 1 or 10 Gigabits per second. To meet high-availability or
capacity requirements, multi-link attachment circuits are available.
Virtual Networks are available with this service, allowing a very flexible security profile
based on the needs of the researcher. Systems can reside on hidden private networks,
secure public networks, dedicated departmental networks or unsecure networks open to
the Internet.
Both commodity Internet and access to research backbones are available in the data
center. Currently, the university has an aggregate 3.5 Gigabits per second of bandwidth.
Mason connects to Level 3, AboveNet, Internet2 and the PacketNet service from National
Lambda Rail. Connections are available to all major research labs and centers.
The ITU expects this service offering to the research community to better support the
physical research infrastructure and align better with the common goals of service
stability, uptime, energy efficiency and availability. To learn more about this service,
please contact John Kettlewell, Technology Systems Division (TSD) Director of
Technology Support Services. He can be reached at
[email protected]
or by phone at
703.993.3358.
Virtual Networks
The ITU offers virtual network services at Mason, enabling nearly any type of network
between any set of subscribers anywhere on campus.
The primary service offering is a Layer 3 Virtual Private Network (L3VPN). L3VPNs
are used to connect geographically dispersed groups of users into common security
domains, where internal traffic does not cross a firewall. L3VPNs are available for
departments or research project groups.
There is an existing L3VPN for research applications focused on network performance or
wide area collaboration. This Research L3VPN is immediately available anywhere
across campus to all systems requiring access to Internet2 and the National Lambda Rail.
Additional service offerings include: pseudowire - linking 2 systems by a "virtual wire";
multi-point Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) - an emulated Ethernet broadcast domain; extranet - a
refinement of the L3VPN where parts of different L3VPNs are able to communicate
without passing through a firewall.
To learn more about how virtual network can support your needs or you would like to
start using virtual networks, please contact Ben Allen, Manager, Advanced Network
Technologies. He can be reached by email [email protected] or by phone, 703-993-3478
Special Services
TSD can facilitate the acquisition, installation and operation of dedicated network
infrastructure for your project. This includes everything from a dedicated Ethernet
switch to your own attachment circuit to a national Research and Education Networks.
There may be a cost for other than shared services and costs to configure the power in the
data center to support research equipment. If your research project requires any special
network services, or you would like to learn more about what's available, please contact
Ben Allen, Manager, Advanced Network Technologies, by email [email protected] or by
phone, 703-993-3478.
Aquia Data Center
Co-Location and Research Computing Services
Aquia Data Center General Information
The Aquia Data Center is a state of the art modern and secure data center on the campus of
George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Located on the first floor of the Aquia Building,
the data center is staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Access to this facility is restricted to
only authorized individuals. The Aquia DC hosts many of Mason’s administrative and academic
production systems. Research computing and Co-location services are available for Mason
departments and other groups.
Contact us:
John Kettlewell
Howard Davis
Director of Technology Support Services
Manager, Aquia Data Center
[email protected]
[email protected]
703-993-3358
703-993-3385
Getting Started
Departments or groups interested in having their system(s) hosted in the Aquia Data Center
should be prepared to follow the guidelines and requirements below.
What information is needed in order for us to evaluate a request for space in the
Aquia Data Center?
1. Determine the number of “rack mountable” systems that you plan to locate in the data
center. (Racks are furnished for use in the Aquia DC)
a. Determine the U space that will be needed in a computer rack and/or how many
racks will be required? (Be prepared to discuss future expansion needs to assist
Aquia DC staff in space planning. If a full rack is not required, the customer will
be asked to share a rack with other customers where feasible)
2. What are the electrical requirements?
a. Determine type of electrical outlet required.
(Aquia DC can meet any electrical requirement. Redundant circuits are a standard provision.
Backup electrical service is provided capable of maintaining power to the entire DC using a 750
KVA UPS and a 1500 KVA generator)
**Customers are responsible for the initial costs of installation of circuits if they do not
already exist in the data center
3. Determine networking requirements.
a. Initiate network planning for system(s) by completing the form at the link
http://tsd.gmu.edu/net/Forms/index.html
(Before network port configurations can be completed, a physical location will
need to be identified for equipment in the Aquia DC)
Requirements for Resident Customers of the Aquia Data Center
Data Center Access
All customers requiring access to their equipment will provide a list of pre-approved individuals
who will need to enter the Aquia Data Center. Non full time George Mason Staff/Faculty will be
required to have a criminal background check which will be coordinated through HR and
handled through the individual’s department or group.
Authorized individuals will be required to sign in and state the purpose of their visit with Aquia
DC Operations staff prior to entry. All individuals will be required to sign out upon completion
of their visit.
All individuals on the authorized access list are restricted to the area of the data center where
their equipment is located in the Aquia DC.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
All customers using data center services will be required to enter into an SLA with the
Technology Systems Division (TSD) prior to or within 90 days after the start of services being
provided.
Policies and Procedures
All customers will be required to follow TSD Aquia Data Center policies and procedures written
and unwritten. Please review Aquia Data Center Operational Policies/Procedures.
Policy Title -
Aquia Data Center Operational Policy & Procedure
Policy ID - TSD-ADC001
Version - Version: 1.0
Supersedes
– Version 1.0
Review Date
– One (1) year from effective date.
Policy & Procedure -
Provides guidance and governance for the use of the Aquia Data Center; installation, removal, and disposal of equipment; physical access controls and security; safety; requests for special services or resources; space requests; power management; cable management; general maintenance and cleanliness of work areas; and other miscellaneous items within the data center.
Purpose -
To provide a state of the art, professional, clean, reliable, safe, and secure data
center, certain practices must be instituted and adhered to. The Aquia Data Center Operations staffs are tasked with the responsibility for ensuring that this policy and procedure will be followed by all who use the facility.Applicability – This operational policy and procedure applies to all ITU employees, the various
authorized departmental employees who use the data center services, and authorized business partners of ITU including contractors, vendors, and other authorized state agency
employees. This policy and procedure addresses topics which include, but are not limited to safety; security; storage, staging, deposal and surplus of equipment; space requests; computer hardware installs and de-installs; power management; cabling; and other miscellaneous items within the data center.
EXCEPTIONS: The Executive Director of Technology Systems Division (TSD) or Director of
Technology Support Services (TSS) will be the only individuals authorize to make any exceptions to this operational policy and procedure document.
Policy and Procedure:
1. Every effort must be made to assure personal safety in the data center.
a. Floor tiles should never be removed. If floor tiles must be removed, the
assistance of the operator on duty should be sought; and safety cones and tape must be used around any area left unattended.
b. When not being serviced, all computer cabinets and doors will remain closed at all times.
c. University electricians or an authorized contractor will perform all modifications to electrical service. All such changes will comply with the TSD 5 day prior notice requirement, and be coordinated with the Data Center Manager (DCM) for submission of the required work order(s).
d. No work will be done below the raised floor area without the notification of the DCM or operator on duty.
e. No industrial cleaning liquids/fluids will be left in the data center unattended. No highly ammoniated or chlorinated products shall be allowed in the data center. f. No food or drink will be allowed on the main data center floor.
2. Air condition and air quality are essential to the reliable operation of computer equipment and must be maintained within acknowledged data center standards.
a. Humidity levels in the Data Center will be maintained at 45% – 50%.
b. Temperature levels in the Data Center will be maintained at 69 – 75 degrees. c. All tile alterations must be reviewed, approved, and coordinated with the DCM. If
holes must be cut in the floor panels to accommodate new equipment, the panel shall be removed from the data center to cut the hole. The DCM will assist with any needed floor tile alterations.
d. Due to the effect on sub-floor air pressure the number of tiles pulled must be kept to a minimum. All vented floor tiles must be returned to the position from which it was removed.
e. No holes shall be left exposed thereby creating unbalanced airflow. No
additional vents, grilles or perforated tiles will be added without coordination with the DCM.
f. All open slots in racks must be closed on the cold aisle side with a slot blank. g. No changes shall be made to the data center HVAC systems without consultation
h. Facilities Management staff will perform or manage all maintenance activities to the HVAC systems, complying with the TSD 5 day prior notice requirement, and coordinating the work with the DCM.
3. Only authorized individuals will be allowed access in the data center. (See Aquia Data Center Access Policies and Procedures).
a. Persons possessing authorized data center access may escort other staff or vendors into the data center.
i. The visitor or guest must sign in with the operator upon arrival.
ii. The person escorting the visitor or guest must remain with them the entire time they are in the data center. There are no exceptions. (See 3b for visitors that need to have access in the data center to perform work which requires additional time beyond a brief visit.)
b. All contractors hired to perform work in the data center including electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications contractors shall coordinate their work with the DCM and the operator on duty.
i. Managers can request temporary data center access for day workers or long-term contract workers. Advance notice is requested if at all possible.
c. The entry doors to the data center must remain closed and locked at all times. d. Authorized persons should only enter the data center to perform tasks that
cannot be performed remotely.
e. Authorized persons entering or leaving the data center must verify that access doors are closed securely to prevent unauthorized persons from entering or tailgating into the area.
f. Tours are permitted with the coordination of the DCM. Advance notice is preferred. All visitors will be required to sign in.
4. All modifications and changes to production systems within the data center shall be scheduled whenever possible following the change management procedures and coordinated with the DCM.
** Test and development equipment/systems shall remain in their designated location and racks. The DCM must be notified of any significant changes in the test/development area which could affect power distribution requirements or air flow prior to the changes being made.
a. All significant changes within the data center are subject to review, approval, and documentation by the change management process, the DCM, and the
associated/hosted units affected.
b. All changes in equipment location, deletions, or additions of equipment within the data center must be entered on the change management calendar (test &
development systems excluded from CM) and must be coordinated with the DCM to ensure updating of the data center layout documentation.
c. All off-hours work within the data center shall be coordinated with the
DCM. Written notification referencing the RFC #, if applicable, will be provided to the DCM stating the date and time when work is to be done and the names of the parties involved in the work. If there is no CM entry, details of the work to be done should be included in the notification.
d. No hardware, racks, furniture, shelving, or other materials will be removed or added to the data center without DCM coordination. This is required in order to maintain accurate records of inventory and maintain an orderly and neat environment within the data center.
e. All space allocations within the data center are the responsibility of the DCM. All projects requiring additional rack space shall be coordinated with the DCM. f. All equipment must be rack mountable, except for test or development
equipment. All open slots within racks must be closed with a slot blank mounted on the cold aisle side of the rack. Exceptions must be approved by the TSS Director. Racks used in the Data Center are designated by TSD. All exceptions must be pre-approved by the TSD Executive Director.
g. All power and network cables must be labeled for easy identification. Any changes which affect the accuracy of this information must be provided to the DCM and all labels must be updated. Labeling will be provided on the outside of racks displaying rack location and electrical circuit information
5. Decommissioned equipment must be removed from the data center in a timely manner. a. All removal of decommissioned equipment shall be coordinated with the DCM
and operator on duty for proper documentation of data center assets and for security purposes. (see also d:)
b. All decommissioned equipment must be removed from the Data Center in a timely manner, preferably within 60 days.
c. All decommissioned cabling, including voice, data and fiber shall be removed immediately. Decommissioned cables shall be defined as cables that are abandoned and are no longer actively used in the data center.
d. When equipment is removed from the data center, all pertinent documentation must be updated. This includes assets management, CMDB, and any support matrix that references decommissioned equipment.
6. Electrical Power in the Data Center will comply with accepted electrical standards and local electrical codes for data centers.
a. Only qualified Facilities Management personnel shall open or change any power panel or power distribution unit.
b. Modifications in the data center power design and/or the addition of power outlets must be coordinated with the DCM for installation. The DCM is the only person authorized to request a work order for electrical modifications within the data center.
c. Cleaning equipment or tools used to perform work in the data center shall only be plugged into wall outlets located on the outer walls around the data center. (Computer rack power outlets (PDUs) are not to be used!) Data center staff will provide extension cords or power strips if requested.
d. Power requirements for equipment shall be provided to the DCM before installation. The DCM will verify availability of power and coordinate the documentation of the equipment location and power requirements in the data center layout.
e. Only the power distribution units (PDUs) located in the equipment racks are to be used to provide power for racked equipment.
i. The only exceptions to this rule are:
1. In cases of emergency installations where equipment must be brought into service before a permanent power source can be installed. If used in this manner, a temporary power strip must be tagged and dated. Plans for permanent power must be made with the DCM.
f. No radios or other non-computer related equipment should be plugged into any dedicated circuit or computer rack power outlets (PDUs). Wall outlets are available for these instances on the outer walls around the data center. 7. All equipment should be labeled in the front and rear panels with identification
information.
a. Wherever possible, all equipment will have a label affixed identifying the power distribution unit and the main power panel to which it is attached. At a minimum all equipment power cables should be labeled with this information. Labeling will be provided on the outside of racks displaying rack location and electrical circuit information
b. All power cables will be labeled and identified for its specific use and identified by its amperage, voltage, and type of connector if possible.
c.
All device-to-device cables installed within the data center will be labeled to8. Management of equipment, peripherals, associated cabling, and general work processes in the data center shall be performed in such a manner as to facilitate an optimum data center operation, maximizing resources effectively, and providing a professionally maintained data center environment.
a. New equipment destined for the data center will be unpacked outside the data center prior to its placement in the data center environment.
i. The staging/storage area adjacent to the data center is provided for this purpose.
ii. No boxed or loose equipment or other related materials are to be stored on the main data center floor. All materials are to be housed in the staging/storage area or other location until placed into service. Any materials left on the data center floor will be removed by Operations staff and placed in an appropriate area until required. b. Whenever possible, all equipment deliveries to the data center shall be
coordinated with the operator on duty or the DCM to ensure proper receipt and storage. Each unit will be responsible for notification and/or acceptance of their equipment.
c. To insure appropriate use of data center space, placement of new racks will be coordinated by the DCM with the guidance of the TSS, ES&M, and NET Directors.
d. Equipment owners are responsible for the installations of their equipment in the data center. All installs must be coordinated with the DCM for
documentation purposes.
e. ITU TSD Network Engineering & Technology staffs manage connectivity requirements and install data/telecommunications cabling in the overhead conveyance system (wiring tray). No other cabling or material will be run in the tray system without prior approval of the Director, Network Engineering & Technology.
f. All cable runs will be run in an orderly manner and dressed out for a
professional appearance. Cables should be labeled appropriately to provide easy identification. No cables should run diagonally in the sub-floor without prior approval. Electrical and computer cables may run perpendicularly. When cables cross paths, it should be in a perpendicular manner. g. All cabling within racks shall be neatly organized, tied, and labeled
appropriately, allowing doors to racks to close.
h. All doors to racks/computer cabinets shall be kept closed when equipment is not being serviced.
i. After completing installation or service on equipment, all tools and materials must be removed from the data center floor and the area left clean of any trash or debris.
j. All equipment and furniture including desks, chairs, tables, shelving, racks and cabinets within the data center are the responsibility of the DCM and are not to be removed from the data center.
Compliance
All users of the Aquia Data Center facilities have a responsibility to comply with this policy and procedure. Additional rules or restrictions that fall outside this current policy and procedure may be applied as required by Technology Support Services in order to maintain a safe, secure, and professional environment. Should that be necessary, those new rules or restrictions will be incorporated into this document.
Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action or the loss of access to the facilities and services of the Aquia Data Center.
Effective June 4, 2010. To be reviewed and updated annually. PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON:
Howard Davis, ITU Data Center Manager Telephone: 703-993-3385
Email: [email protected]
